- Media release

From the Minister for Community Services

Thursday, 3 April 2003

BROCHURE TO SUPPORT FAMILIES OF PROBLEM GAMBLERS

Community Services Minister, Sherryl Garbutt, today launched an information brochure to provide financial and legal advice to families and friends of problem gamblers.

Ms Garbutt said the brochure, Protection for You and Your Family, was developed by Gambler’s Help Services in partnership with legal professionals and will be distributed across Victoria.

The brochure provides strategies to help families and friends of problem gamblers protect their finances and assets, and includes contact numbers for Gambler’s Help Services.

“This easy-to-understand brochure will inform families and friends of problem gamblers on how to get financial help when things get tough,” Ms Garbutt said.

“It is a great example of what can be achieved when communities work together to tackle problem gambling.”

Ms Garbutt said Phase 3 of the Bracks Government’s Problem Gambling Communication Strategy would focus on working with community organisations to fight problem gambling and its effects on families.

“We are encouraging community organisations to partner us to combat problem gambling in Victoria,” Ms Garbutt said.

“The local expertise of community organisations will help tackle the causes of problem gambling and reduce its impact on gamblers, their families and friends.”

The third phase of the Brack’s Government’s hard-hitting advertising campaign will be released in May.

“The next phase of the successful campaign, “Think of What You’re Really Gambling With”, will turn the spotlight on the impact of gambling on families and friends of problem gamblers,” she said.

“New statistics show that one quarter of all callers to the Gamblers Help line are friends or family of problem gamblers.

“It is vital that we as a community support those who have a gambling problem and at the same time support the family and friends who may be suffering.”

Ms Garbutt said the advertising campaign had been strengthened by the allocation of $24.8 million from 2002 – 2005 to provide services and support to problem gamblers, their families and friends across Victoria.

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The brochure, Protection for You and Your Family, will be distributed through Gambler’s Help Services and additional copies can also be obtained from the Department of Human Service’s Community Building Unit by phoning (03) 9616 7454.

Media contact: Sarah McKinnon 9651 5799 or 0409 008 412 www.vic.gov.au